Anion gap

[mgala77]

my recent blood test revealed my anion gap at a low of 2.5. Should I be concerned,, I did have lung cancer last year. I'm new to this site, so I'm not sure I'm posting correctly to get a response. Thanks for the patience

 

[Research 1st]

I'm sorry I can't help you with an answer, if you can, try and ask a medical professional especially if you have a previous experience of cancer.

When tested, I had a high anion gap which is the opposite of your result. I think it's quite a rare lab test, and most patients won't have been tested once they've got a CFS diagnosis.

All the best to you and the best of health.

 

[MeSci]

When tested, I had a high anion gap which is the opposite of your result. I think it's quite a rare lab test, and most patients won't have been tested once they've got a CFS diagnosis.

@Research 1st - I have just calculated my anion gap values from my medical records, but the latest value I have for chloride is from 1996! So I was interested to read that you say that most patients won't have had an anion gap test once they have a CFS diagnosis. I got my diagnosis in 1999, but have been ill since 1995. But being in the UK, I can't imagine that all the doctors I have seen since 1996 have deliberately not tested my chloride levels for a specific reason other than perhaps the standard testing panels having changed.

I have no actual results for anion gap, but estimated the values myself from sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate, and also without potassium.

I wasn't surprised to find my values quite high, as I have suspected for several years that I have acidosis, not least because I often get relief from sodium bicarbonate.

Do you know why patients do not have their anion gaps measured/estimated after getting a CFS diagnosis? Is this in the US?

I am going to request a chloride test next time I am due for my annual electrolyte tests. In fact, I am going to ask the doc whether he has done any recently, as I don't have copies of my records for the past few years.

 

[AaroninOregon]

@MeSci while I don't have a CSF diagnosis, my anion gap is done as part oF my comprehensive metabolic panel with my annual physical. I don't see that changing if I am diagnosed with CFS...and I am in the US.